10 Things 'Do The Right Thing' Foreshadowed [Gifs]

Twenty-five years ago (on June 30), Spike Lee premiered one of his most controversial films to date, Do The Right Thing. Still a young filmmaker, Lee focused on underlying issues of gentrification and poverty while the subject of racial tension was plastered all over the cult classic.

In a unique way, DTRT capitalized on the issues most black Americans dealt with in a language his demographic could understand. Without demeaning the intelligence and intellectualism of his crowd, Spike’s summer set project was able to appeal to moviegoers even if they weren’t from Brooklyn, New York—where the film was placed. His use of character interaction, music and relatable scenarios helped paint the picture of a typical summer day when the weather isn’t the only thing boiling over.

Unknowingly, the young filmmaker foreshadowed issues that are still prevalent today. This particular piece of work not only launched his career to the next level (despite not being his first film) it also catapulted many newbies into star status while popularizing other things. As we celebrate 25 years of the street-named project, check out 10 right things Spike predicted.

Gentrificiation

In the 1989 summer flick, one storyline was Gentrification. Oh how times have changed and this issue is running rampant in Brooklyn.

Finger Rings

Radio Raheem’s infamous four-finger rings that read "Love" and "Hate" still are popular today.

His rememberable story about his Left and Right hand: "Let me tell you the story of Right Hand, Left Hand. It's a tale of good and evil. Hate: it was with this hand that Cane iced his brother. Love: these five fingers, they go straight to the soul of man. The right hand: the hand of love. The story of life is this: static. One hand is always fighting the other hand, and the left hand is kicking much ass. I mean, it looks like the right hand, Love, is finished. But hold on, stop the presses, the right hand is coming back. Yeah, he got the left hand on the ropes, now, that's right. Ooh, it's a devastating right and Hate is hurt, he's down. Left-Hand Hate KOed by Love."

Radio Raheem

We don’t think when Spike Lee was writing in Radio Raheem’s name and his death, it would become such a prominent term still used widely today, especially in rap songs.

Jordans

Micheal Jordan’s illustrious sneakers weren’t as popular in ’89 as they’ve become. MJ can thank Spike Lee for helping boost his timeless kicks.

Global Warming

The weather was so hot in the summer film that your temperature rose while watching it. It's interesting that global warming has taken over 25 years later from when it was first predicted.

Actors Careers

Spike Lee knew he hit gold with the actors he’s casted in his films. Many of his stars that weren't quite notable went on to heighten their career to householdnames. Names like Rosie Perez, Samuel L Jackson and Martin Lawrence got their first real start with Lee's movie.

The Obamas

Who knew that our first black president won his leading lady over with the help of Spike Lee’s controversial picture. It was the couple’s first real date together and Barack Obama took her there to impress her.

"He was trying to show me his sophisticated side by selecting an independent filmmaker, and it ended up being a pretty good movie—really great," said the First Lady.

Luckily he did and they became the power couple we love!

Dance Breaks

Most black films feature a dance break in them, and we like to think his iconic opening featuring Rosie Perez inspired future filmmakers to incorporate a dance scene.

Fire Hydrant

Kids busting fire hydrants was popular then and is popular now. When the summer heat is too overbearing and there's no access to a pool, the hydrants will be sacrificed.

Police Brutality

You would think after depicting police brutality it would simmer. Unfortunately, that's not the case. The historic L.A. Riots occurred less than 10 years later among other controversial events between police and African Americans.

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SZA called for peace and understanding at Billboard's Women In Music event Thursday (Dec. 6).

During her speech for the Rule Breaker award, singer-songwriter recalled today's climate, asking her peers and those watching at home for a little bit of peace.

"I'm sorry for the state of the world honestly, for everybody in this room and I pray that all of us just get through it a little bit easier and just try not to lash out at each other," she said.

The recurring theme of unity among women was also heard on the carpet from artists like Tierra Whack. In addition to her message of love, the "Broken Clocks" singer also thanked her TDE family for rocking with her creative process.

"I'm just so thankful for everybody having patience with me, " she said. Shouting out the key members of her family in attendance, the TDE affiliate gave praise to her mother, father, and grandma. In this brief speech centered around the artist's growth Solána Imani Rowe, known more commonly as her stage name, Rowe everyone for their trust in her.

"I'm grateful for everybody taking the time to have the patience to watch someone grow, it is painful and sometimes exciting but mostly boring. And I am thankful for Top (Top Dawg Entertainment's Anthony Tiffith) for not dropping me from that label. For Peter, who I change my ideas every day and he be like okay I like this," she continued.

Thanking the likes of musical powerhouses like Alicia Keys and Whack, "The Weekend" singer offered her appreciation and condolences to Ariana Grande.

As November comes to a close, many publications will be crafting their year-end lists for all things pop culture. Forbes released a ranking of the world's highest-paid women in music on Monday (Nov. 19), with Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Rihanna holding it down for women of color.

Beyoncé comes in at No. 3 on the list with an earning of $60 million as she made most of her money through her historical Coachella performance, the joint album with husband JAY-Z, Everything is Love, and the Carters' On The Run II Tour in support of its release.

Jennifer Lopez made No. 6 for earnings tallying of over $47 million thanks to her lucrative Las Vegas residency, endorsements, and shows including World of Dance where she serves as a judge.

Rihanna follows behind the "Love Don't Cost A Thing" diva at No. 7 with earnings of over $37.5 million. Although she hasn't toured since 2016—thanks to her cosmetics and lingerie lines, Fenty Beauty and Savage Lingerie—the Bajan pop star has been keeping herself busy.

Forbes' annual list (which factors in pretax earnings from June 1, 2017, through June 1, 2018) has placed Katy Perry at the top with over $83 million in profits due to her gig as an American Idol judge and her 80-date Witness: The Tour that brought in an estimated $1 million per night.

Kelly Rowland has it all and isn't afraid to brag about it on her new single, "Kelly."

Released Thursday (Nov. 22), the singer goes the clubby, confident route while rightfully dropping her attributes like her relationship with God, smoldering looks (a.k.a the drip) among other things. With "Kelly" being the first single since her 2013's Talk a Good Game, the singer comes out swinging, reminding everyone of her power in the game.

The mother of one has promised that her new tunes will be edgier and most honest than her past work that included vulnerable tracks like "Dirty Laundry" and massive hits like "Motivation" and "Commander." Speaking with Vogue over the summer, Ms. Kelly disclosed a few details behind the album.

“It’s about love, loss, and gain and whether it’s professional or with family or whatever, it’s just honest," she said. "I had no choice but to be honest and authentic with this record: it’s about friendship and marriage.”

She also explained a drop in confidence caused her hiatus. “I was thinking about pulling back from recording, but I couldn’t help myself: I still wanted to record. I still felt like I was missing something. The third year just came and left so fast. The fourth year I said: ‘I have to get to work’ and now I’m ready to release some music! I felt like I wasted so much time, and it was my husband who actually called me out on it. He said: ‘Babe, as great as those records were, I think you were nervous, you got gun-shy’, and when he said that it was like boom, a gong went off.”

Glad to have you back, Ms. Kelly. Listen to the eponymous record up top.